It’s almost here: Ascension Day! Have you already turned Thursday 14 May 2026 into a mini-break? With Friday thrown in, you’ve got a lovely long weekend ahead of you. We’ve put together a list of the best tips in the city and the county for you!
Soak up some culture and head for the heights
Want to really experience Groningen? Then start your day with a climb up the Martini Tower. On a clear spring day, the view over the Grote Markt and the surrounding area is simply unbeatable. Are you more of an art lover? The Groninger Museum is also open as usual on Ascension Day for your dose of creativity.
For a journey through time, we recommend the Bourtange Fortress. Stroll along the historic ramparts and enjoy the unique atmosphere in this fortified village.
Fun for the kids (and secretly for you too)
Out and about with the family? Groningen is bursting with unique theme parks:
- Dinopark Landgoed Tenaxx: Come face to face with life-size dinosaurs.
- DoeZoo Leens: The place where you learn all about nature by seeing, hearing and feeling.
- Nienoord Family Park: A classic for a day full of fun.
- Wonderwereld Ter Apel: Discover the magical world of fairy tales and nature.
Peace and Space
Prefer to avoid the crowds? Put on your walking boots or hop on a bike. You can get a breath of fresh air in Lauwersmeer National Park. For the ultimate island experience, take the boat to Schiermonnikoog; within 45 minutes you’ll be in a completely different world.
Shopping in the city
Not in the mood for nature, but fancy a new outfit? Good news! The shops in Groningen city centre are allowed to open on Ascension Day. Do bear in mind that they usually don’t open until around midday; according to local regulations , shops are open on this public holiday from 12:00 to 22:00 (though in practice most close around 17:00 or 18:00).
The terraces on the Grote Markt and the Vismarkt are, of course, also ready for a well-deserved break with a Groningen egg ball. The same opening hours apply to daytime catering establishments in the city centre as to the shops, so from 12:00 onwards you can pop into any of them for a drink in the sun.
Practical information
Ascension Day falls on 14 May in 2026. Do check your collective agreement or employment contract carefully, because although most people have the day off, it is not a mandatory public holiday in every sector (e.g. the hospitality industry).
Photo | Stella Dekker
